Am currently based in Jakarta as a Asian Public Intellectual fellow. Its a program funded by Nippon Foundation to allow exchange of scholars in SE Asia. Am currently a visiting researcher in University of Indonesia and doing case studies and survey of local Indonesian companies that have undergone transformation in response to globalization. In our Philippine study (a book is in the works!) we found that essentially change happens not just because of good change management practices but because of transformational leaderships and because of investments in relationships. Although a sense of mission and innovation are important to drive transformation, we also found that trust in leadership, good relationships, employee engagement and participation are also key foundations to change. This means that beyond adhering to change management principles, local companies need to invest in building trust. At the same time, change leaders are confronted with cultural barriers - a culture of silence and profound respect for leaders that can inhibit a free exchange of new ideas.
What is interesting is that as I continue share the findings of our Philippine study in Jakarta, people here say they resonate with our findings. Which goes to how small the world really is.
What is interesting is that as I continue share the findings of our Philippine study in Jakarta, people here say they resonate with our findings. Which goes to how small the world really is.